Does a Teacher Who Has Been Admitted to a Master’s Degree Program Have to Resign from Their Job?

Question

I teach history at a school. This year, I have been assigned 14 teaching hours. I have been admitted to a full-time master’s degree program. Can I continue working with a 14-hour teaching load while studying in the master’s program, or will my teaching hours be taken away?

Answer

According to Article 12 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Education” No. ZRU-637, a master’s degree is a form of higher education in a specific field of specialization based on the relevant bachelor’s degree, with a duration of study of at least one year.

The legislation does not contain any provision prohibiting students enrolled in master’s degree programs from engaging in employment. In other words, regardless of their level of education, students may work under an employment contract in accordance with the procedure established by law.

However, the student’s study schedule must not overlap with their working hours. For example, some higher education institutions may organize classes in the afternoon or evening. In addition, depending on the academic schedule, a student may have sufficient free time to work. In such cases, a student has the right to continue their studies while also engaging in employment in accordance with the legislation.

As is known, under Article 184 of the Labor Code, the working time for medical workers, teachers, and other categories of employees whose work involves a high level of psychological, intellectual, and nervous stress—that is, employees whose work has special characteristics—is set at no more than 36 hours per week.

Accordingly, the weekly working time for all teaching staff may not exceed 36 hours, with this limit established by the legislator for one full-time position.

A teaching employee admitted to a master’s degree program may also retain their position based on an additional agreement with the employer. In this case, for example, a part-time working arrangement of 0.25 or 0.5 of a full-time position may be established by agreement with the employer.

However, which specific employment arrangement is applied depends on the student’s academic schedule, their job responsibilities, and the terms of the employment contract concluded with the employer.

In conclusion, the legislation does not prohibit students enrolled in master’s degree programs from working. A student may study and work at the same time. However, their working hours must not interfere with the educational process.